Written by Alex Seleznev, MBA, CFP®, CFA | April 24, 2024
This is a common question from our clients enjoying their golden years crossing locations off their bucket list around the world.
In short, Medicare does not pay for medical services outside the U.S., except in very limited circumstances.
What types of care outside the U.S. does Medicare cover?
In rare cases, Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, and Part B covers ambulance and doctor services during your stay.
You are responsible for the same deductibles and copayments, but Medicare will not cover ambulance or doctor services abroad after your hospital stay ends.
For those of you who enjoy cruises, if you receive care within six hours of a U.S. port, you will likely qualify for Medicare and the attending doctor usually submits the claim.
Do Medicare supplement plans cover travel abroad?
If you have a private Medicare supplement policy, also known as Medigap, you may be insured for emergencies when traveling abroad.
Medigap plans cover emergency care abroad in the first 60 days of your trip.
They cover 80% of necessary emergency care charges outside the U.S., but you need to pay a $250 deductible each year.
Medigap's coverage for emergencies abroad has a $50,000 limit for your lifetime.
What other foreign travel emergency coverage is available?
Certain private Medicare Advantage plans cover emergency care abroad, but coverage is limited and details vary.
Some travel insurance policies cover trip cancellations, while others include emergency medical care abroad and evacuation to a nearby facility or back to the U.S.
However, many travel insurance policies do not cover preexisting conditions, so make sure to check for exclusions, limits, and other details before selecting a policy.
If you are a retired military, you might receive healthcare coverage in foreign countries through Tricare for Life once you are enrolled in Medicare.
Do you plan to live abroad and travel back and forth regularly?
You can enroll in Medicare, but you will not have coverage while you are away, and you will still need to pay the monthly Part B premiums, at least $174.70 a month in 2024.
If you decide to sign up for Medicare after you return to the U.S., you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.
If you work abroad and have health insurance from your employer or live in a country with a national health system, you might qualify for exemptions.